- TENP has signed two MoUs with Aldai Technical Training Institute and The Cube Innovation Hub to strengthen research, innovation, and entrepreneurship training.
- The partnerships will support preparations for CIRIS 2026 and create opportunities for students and trainers to showcase projects and incubate business ideas.
- Dr Koech has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing job creators by building centres of excellence through strategic collaborations with industry and innovation hubs.
The Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP) has signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to deepen research, innovation and entrepreneurship training across Kenya’s technical and vocational sector.
The agreements were signed with Aldai Technical Training Institute (ATTI) and The Cube Innovation Hub (TCIH). Both partnerships will also support preparations for the Conference on Innovation, Research and Industrial Skills (CIRIS) 2026.
TENP Chief Principal Dr Charles Koech hosted the signing ceremony. He welcomed Aldai Technical Training Institute Principal Madam Sally Lukuyu and The Cube Innovation Hub Chief Executive Officer Mr Allan Rop. Senior managers, department heads and partnership coordinators from all three institutions also attended.
Strengthening research through CIRIS 2026
The first MoU, signed with Aldai Technical Training Institute, focuses on organising CIRIS 2026. The conference is one of TENP’s flagship platforms for promoting research, innovation, technology and industrial skills.
Under the partnership, the two institutions will share expertise and encourage joint research. They will also give students and trainers a chance to showcase innovative projects that solve real problems facing industry and communities.
The collaboration is expected to build stronger networks between TVET institutions, industry players, researchers and policymakers. This, in turn, should help translate fresh ideas into practical solutions that support Kenya’s economic development.
ALSO READ:
Government puts mechanism in place to recruit 2 million TVET trainees by December
Backing innovation and entrepreneurship
The second MoU, signed with The Cube Innovation Hub, aims to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship among TENP students.
The partnership will support innovation ecosystems and strengthen entrepreneurship programmes. It will also fund mentorship for young innovators, help incubate business ideas and connect students to opportunities for commercialising their innovations.
Learners will additionally gain exposure to emerging technologies, digital transformation and startup development. These skills are increasingly essential for graduates entering a competitive job market.
Further support will come through innovation challenges, business acceleration initiatives and partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders.
Building centres of excellence
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Koech said strategic partnerships remain critical to transforming TVET institutions into centres of excellence. He noted that such collaborations help produce graduates with practical competencies, entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking.
Modern technical education, he added, requires strong ties between training institutions, industry, research bodies and innovation hubs. This ensures learners gain skills that match the changing demands of the labour market.
Dr Koech said the two agreements prove TENP’s commitment to producing not just job seekers, but job creators who can drive economic growth through innovation and enterprise.
ALSO READ: Should Egerton University renew Prof. Isaac Ongubo Kibwage’s term?
Wide institutional support
Deputy Principal for Administration Mr Paul Seurey and Deputy Principal for Academics Madam Peninnah Ogutu also attended the ceremony. Both reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to sustainable partnerships that strengthen academic excellence and practical training.
Other attendees included Liaison and Partnership Coordinator Madam Josephine Seurey, who represented the Aldai Technical Training Institute partnership, and Mr Vincent Rotich, who coordinated the Cube Innovation Hub agreement.
Also present were Research and Development Coordinator Dr Fredrick Agengo, TVET Fairs Coordinator Mr Danol Rotich, Industrial Liaison Officer (ILO) Coordinator Mr Jared Lagat, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Coordinator Mr Albert Odula.
By Benedict Aoya
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
